29th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – llicit Finance & Foreign Investments: Navigating Threats in a Globalized Economy

Mr. Alejo, addressed the growing threat of illicit finance within an increasingly globalized criminal economy. He defined the illicit economy as criminal or corrupt economic interests enabled by weak public policies and kleptocratic systems operating across borders. He stressed that organized crime has evolved beyond traditional drug trafficking to include illegal mining, money laundering, human trafficking, counterfeit goods, cybercrime, and weapons trafficking—often generating as much or more revenue than narcotics.

He explained that modern criminal organizations now operate through “criminal convergence,” forming transnational corporate-like alliances that control strategic routes rather than just products. These networks collaborate across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, using global trade systems, logistics hubs, fintech platforms, and crypto assets to launder funds and move illicit goods. He highlighted cases involving counterfeit cigarette laundering schemes, cocaine concealed in commercial shipments, and human trafficking networks operating between Latin America and Europe.

He emphasized that corruption has evolved into systemic kleptocracy, where criminal groups manipulate institutions, damage reputations, and undermine political and judicial systems. Migration routes, such as through the Darién region, have also become major revenue streams for organized crime. Campos concluded that combating these threats requires strong political will, updated and harmonized international legislation, better intelligence-sharing, and a renewed focus on dismantling transnational criminal convergence rather than addressing crimes in isolation.